Harare (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday sent a message of condolence following the passing on of renowned sports administrator Ndumiso Gumede.
Gumede, a former vice chairman of the Zimbabwe Football Association, passed away at the age of 76 in Bulawayo on Wednesday.
In a statement, President Mnangagwa described Gumede as a sports administrator of distinction.
“A sports administrator of distinction and a veteran teacher, the late Cde Gumede will be remembered by many for transforming the popular game of football through his competent leadership and professional administration of the iconic Highlanders Club, and when he served on the ZIFA Board soon after our Independence.
“As its chairman and president, Highlanders Football Club scaled to higher heights, transforming into a household name it is to this day. Above all, his strong African roots turned professional sporting into a cultural carnival for which football fans will miss him sorely, ” said the President.
He said the late Gumede ensured integrity and professionalism in a game often mired in controversies of corrupt match-fixing and related ills.
“Always genial and full of jokes, the late Cde Gumede ensured integrity and professionalism in a game which is often mired in controversies of corrupt match-fixing and related ills. Those of us wedded to the game will miss him, keenly feeling the yawning gap he leaves behind, ” said President Mnangagwa.
New Ziana